A trend seems to be developing in the world of noncommercial radio broadcasting – strong operators that juggle news with fine arts and other programming find a second signal so they can devote full time to both. Such seems to be the case in Houston.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Houston University is seeking final approval from its board of directors to acquire a second FM. It already owns KUHF-FM. It also has a $9.5M deal negotiated to acquire Rice University’s KTRU-FM. According to the Chronicle, Rice already has board permission for its end of the transaction.
If the deal goes through, 88.7 KUHF would go all news, and 91.7 KTRU would become a Classical station, and would provide coverage of the Houston arts scene.
The classical focus would constitute a format flip for KTRU, which currently broadcasts an eclectic music mix. A call change to KUHC would accompany the changes.
A similar deal was announced earlier this month in Florida, where the University of Southern Florida is acquiring WSMR-FM Sarasota FL from Northwestern College Radio Network for $1.275M. USF already owns WUSF-FM 89.7 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg, and it will also use the combo to break up a news/music mix on WUSF. A previous story is available here: http://www.rbr.com/radio/radio_deals/26471.html
